Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Description

• French oak
• Dark berris
• Oak spice
• Supple tannins

This deeply coloured wine displays perfumed aromas of dark berry fruits, violets and dried herbs with complexing oak spice characters. A smooth and approachable palate follows with sweet fruit, supple tannins and moreish acidity. Drink now or hold for up to 5-8 years when the wine will develop further complexity.

The 2018 Hawkes Bay vintage followed on from officially one of the warmest Summers on record, which gave red varietals in particular superb conditions for ripening. The white harvest commenced early in March with pressure from rain, however, the majority of the later ripening reds were harvested in excellent condition under welcome blue skies. Once crushed to open-top fermenters the grapes were inoculated with several strains of yeast and fermented at 30 degrees C. Post fermentation the parcels were pressed to oak barriques, 10% new, for 12 months maturation. The wine was blended, egg white fined and filtered to bottle.

Food Pairing: Merlot-Cabernet blends are particularly good when paired with robust, full-flavoured dishes, red meat and cheeses.